I would have to say that my time spent on the Antrim Coast is probably my most memorable moments from Ireland. County Antrim is one of the most picturesque places that I’ve ever been to. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, turquoise waters, and colorful villages stamp the coast. Originally, we were meant to walk the Ulster Way, a 30-mile hike that we were meant to do in 2 days. Plans changed a bit, so we decided to drive the coast instead. Starting in Carnlough, we had lunch at the legendary Londonderry Arms, once owned by Churchill. Half of the fun is taking the scenic route and stopping along the way to just take in the view. We made stops in Cushendall and Cushendun (there is a goat that lives in Cushendun and he has been there, in the same spot, since the first trip I made to this village), and then headed to Ballycastle to find a B&B for the night (the owner of the B&B was so sweet, by the way, and made the best “Ulster Fry” AKA Traditional Irish Breakfast). The Central Winebar was the least bit Irish, but had one of the best meals we had our entire trip. Very modern, and not old and traditional how I like it. But the food was delicious, so all was good. Day 2 of our mini-trip started off with that amazing breakfast I mentioned, in the big sunroom of our B&B, looking out over the Glens of Antrim. Heading down to the dock in Ballycastle, we caught a 45 minute ferry over the rough waters to Rathlin Island. I haven’t spoken to one local who has been to Rathlin Island, and like many other marvels of Nothern Ireland, they are taking this treasure for granted. It’s hard to […]

“Would you like a GPS or a map?” asked the guy at the car rental. “Nah,” replied my dad without even thinking. If you ever want the grand tour of Northern Ireland (I’m talking the traditional pubs, the most amazing country-sides, and hanging with the locals) then there is no better person to call up than Alistair Roden. Seriously. My dad can take you to any place you’d like to go in Northern Ireland, and that is what the first few days of our trip included. As we pulled out of the Dublin airport, we headed north to cross the border into Northern Ireland where my dad is from, and where my family still lives. So many Americans do not realize that Ireland and Northern Ireland are two separate countries. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and they fly the flag of Great Britain. So now everyone reading this blog has those facts straight. Every time we make this trip across the pond, we always make our way up to the Hamilton’s farm within the first 24-hours of being on Irish soil. My dad grew up with Andy, and his two sons—Joe and Bob, who are 14 and 9 respectively—have been good friends of my brother, Will, ever since Will’s first trip over. I can’t even begin to describe the Hamilton’s country house and their farm, which is filled with horses, chickens, pigs (and piglets right now), dogs, cows, donkeys, etc. Joe threw Will and I onto a buggy that he had a pony tied up to as soon as we arrived, and we went out onto the road (yes—the road for cars) for an evening ride. I don’t think you’d ever see a horse and buggy trotting down Newtown Pike. Joe and Bob are always out riding […]